Whistles icon: Morrissey

One of the 20th century’s most influential recording artists, Morrissey’s cocktail of poetic lyrics, outspoken politics and peak narcissism have established him as a uniquely British icon.

Despite recording for less than five years and releasing only four studio albums, The Smiths left an indelible mark on music, creating the mould for indie rock bands and introducing an unprecedented level of depth to pop lyrics. It was the group’s charismatic frontman Morrissey who tied together their mix of 60s rock, intimate lyricism, punk, and mordant humour. Now as well known for his animal rights activism and bizarre proclamations as he is for his solo material, Morrissey is nonetheless one of the most influential musicians of the 80s and de facto spokesman for a disaffected youth.